MedifocusHealth

In recent years, a variety of dietary supplements (e.g., herbs, vitamins, minerals) have been promoted commercially as a means of stimulating sexual desire and enhancing sexual performance. These include ginseng, ginkgo biloba, fennel, licorice, pollen, sarsaparilla, asafoetida, hops, yohimbine, and Spanish fly (derived from dried small beetles commonly found in France and Spain). Unfortunately, currently there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to prove the efficacy or safety of most dietary supplements that are touted as treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Moreover, it is important to notify your health care provider if you are using any dietary supplements, no matter how insignificant or benign they may seem, because they may interfere or interact with other prescribed medications that you may be taking.

In March 2007, Barodon SF and the FDA notified consumers and healthcare professionals of a voluntary nationwide recall of a supplement product sold under the name V.MAX. Lab analysis by FDA of product samples found the product contains aminotadalafil, an analogue of tadalafil, an FDA-approved drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). FDA advised that this poses a threat to consumers because aminotadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Consumers who have V.MAX in their possession should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they experienced any problem that may be related to taking this product.

An article published in 2004 in the Urologic Clinics of North America (Volume 31; pages 259-273) reviewed the scientific evidence for a variety of dietary supplements that are promoted for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). In general, the authors concluded that currently there was a lack of sufficient evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials supporting the effectivenes of the following dietary supplements that were included in their review:

• Anabolic steroid supplements

  • androstenedione
  • dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

• Ginkgo biloba

• Yohimbine
• Zinc

The authors of this article noted, however, that the two following dietary supplements appear to be promising based on preliminary studies, although larger randomized, controlled clinical trials are warranted before making any definitive recommendations:

• L-arginine

  • an amino acid supplement that is a precursor of the compound nitric oxide which mediates penile erections
  • three small clnical trials have found improvements in ED in men who were taking L-arginine

• Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng)

  • may improve blood flow to the penis by stimulating the release of nitric oxide from the sinusoidal cells of the corpus cavernosum
  • several small clinical trials have provided encouraging preliminary data in Korean men with ED who were treated with Korean red ginseng including penile rigidity, penile girth, and libido.